Nicholas Walsh (Home and Away)

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart initially appeared from 25 January to 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the role. Presented as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) through flashback sequences, the character was brought back on 27 March 2018, this time with Belinda Giblin taking over the part. Giblin had previously guest-starred as Cynthia Ross in 1991. Meagher recommended Giblin for the role, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the series’ 30th anniversary celebrations, it was revealed that Martha had survived a sailing accident in 1985, contrary to prior beliefs that she had drowned. Alf explains to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha’s disappearance was due to her unhappiness rather than death. Eventually, Martha returns to Summer Bay, sparking a complicated reunion with both Alf and Roo. Her storyline delves into her struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which caused significant anxiety and contributed to her earlier departure.

Martha is mother to Ruth "Roo" Stewart and was married to Alf from 1969 until 1985, with their marriage resuming from 2020 onward. Initially, she appears through flashbacks and diary entries, connecting her to other characters like Bobby Simpson. Years later, after Alf fears for his life, he reveals that Martha is alive, prompting her comeback.

Her return focuses on repairing relationships with Alf while confronting her mental health issues. Despite initial difficulties bonding with Roo and managing BPD-related anxiety, Martha pursues treatment and gradually restores family ties. She leaves temporarily but comes back for a romantic reconciliation with Alf. Their renewed partnership includes remarriage and living together, although Martha maintains a residence and studio in Merimbula, which acts as a retreat during episodes of BPD.

Martha’s narrative also introduces her son Kieran Baldivis, adding further layers to family interactions. After Kieran contacts her, Martha confides in Irene Roberts before informing Alf and Roo about him. Kieran later arrives in Summer Bay, expanding the family storyline.

At present, Martha lives in Merimbula while Alf visits often, balancing their relationship alongside her need for personal space to manage her mental health.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the show as Donald Fisher, the headmaster. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although initially hesitant about portraying an unpopular character, Coburn grew to value the role. She appeared semi-regularly and completed filming her final scenes in June 1990. Coburn remarked that the role provided consistent work and valuable experience. She especially enjoyed shooting a fight scene with Dannii Minogue near the end of her stint.

Vicki served as an antagonist within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, notorious for bullying classmates including Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. She falsely accused teacher Grant Mitchell of sexual harassment, resulting in his suspension until Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, which led to Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover her deceitful actions, ultimately leading to Vicki’s expulsion from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher made her debut on 3 April 1989, originally portrayed by Jane Hall. She is introduced as the daughter of Donald Fisher, the school principal. During her time in Summer Bay, she developed a romantic connection with Steven Matheson. The production team appreciated the on-screen rapport between Hall and Adam Willits, considering occasional returns for the character. In 1994, Danielle Carter was brought in for a seven-week return of Rebecca. Two years later, Belinda Emmett assumed the role, receiving nominations for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but made a comeback from 1995 until 1999. Although Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn, she was cast as Emma Jackson, leaving Symons to portray Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989 with Brendan McKensy in the role. His portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, enacted by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on screen on 28 June 1989. Prior to this role, Stevenson had been seen on rival soap Neighbours portraying a minor criminal character. For this part, he relocated from Melbourne to Sydney and described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who favors relaxation over responsibility. Stevenson exited the show in 1994 but returned briefly in 1999, expressing interest in resuming full-time involvement. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "one-time joker" with a "happy-go-lucky" demeanor.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming shortly after Justine Clarke left the series. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned that she enjoyed being active on set, often resulting in others searching for her due to her unpredictable locations.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, first appeared on 22 September 1989 and left on 22 August 1990. Initially auditioning for the role of Marilyn Chambers, Minogue was instead cast as Emma. She left after one year to focus on her music career. Although there were rumors about her returning for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reappear. For this role, Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé appearing in flashbacks set in 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary; their engagement party ends tragically as Les later dies in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas arrives in Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin; he engages in schemes including an unsuccessful caravan park acquisition and framing Roo Stewart with poison pen letters; he assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim is sister to Alison, Mav, and Skye Patterson attending Summer Bay Primary; she uncovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs stored on floppy disks and argues with Sally Fletcher over local legends.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades separates from her after learning that Morag is Bobby Simpson’s mother; he warns Roo Stewart to stay away from Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist from The Daily Star who investigates Morag Bellingham’s secret maternity; manipulates locals for information and fabricates stories involving a shark attack.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble after taking etiquette lessons from Celia Stewart; initially illiterate, she learns to read with Matt Wilson’s assistance; her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe returns causing a breakup with Martin.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who attends a town meeting about a local killer shark threat.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble’s mother appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to his family to discourage their marriage plans.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble’s brother present at family dinner alongside parents Ern and Nola.
8 March	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who returns as her personal aide; befriends Celia Stewart but resigns seeking independence, leaving behind a thoughtful farewell letter.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson regarding Donald's son's novel and Morag Bellingham's maternity revelation.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend confronts Martin Dibble over Leanne leading to a fight halted by Leanne; she leaves with Meat Axe.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Dodge cons locals out of food and money culminating in arson that kills Philip Matheson; fostered by the Fletchers, manipulates Steven Matheson into framing Simon Yates; confesses arson and serves prison time; upon parole in 1995 murders 'Mud' Roberts and frames Steven before disappearing after cliffside confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict working at Bayside diner romantically involved with Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Dodge and harassed by Steven Matheson before fleeing town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley seeking reconciliation before his death; leaves Andrew money along with an apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official overseeing Dodge Forbes’ foster placement and investigating abuse allegations against John Newton; temporarily removes guardianship from Donald Fisher during murder charges before restoring it to Viv Newton.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s claim following store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business in Summer Bay.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor involved in Macklin development; initially reluctant but persuaded by Martin Dibble after dinner with Fletchers to sign contract.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending Macklin family dinner.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer working for Macklin corporation involved in strike negotiations mediated by Roo Stewart; assists rescue efforts for Andrew Foley.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin development office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart amid family difficulties.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Music promoter assembling band Image featuring Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; internal conflicts arise with sabotage by Lance; Nina secures job opportunity in Los Angeles inviting Stacey Macklin later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman who supports Viv Newton during her period living rough.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car incident later pursued by Steven Matheson.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton involved in custody disputes resulting in supervision orders and eventual relinquishment due to abuse allegations.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton used by their father to manipulate Viv; eventually escapes abusive home to reunite with mother Angela.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle working on local council; facilitates Matt's employment as beach inspector but resigns due to health problems after closing Andrew Foley's advice centre.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody; initially welcomed but Sally opts to remain with adoptive Fletcher family; Keatings subsequently leave town.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating’s wife and Sally's aunt; infertile due to ovarian cancer treatment; supports custody bid but respects Sally's choice to stay with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter who reacts angrily when Vicki accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of misconduct, demanding his removal before Vicki admits fabricating story.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking vengeance against Morag Bellingham for his father's imprisonment and suicide; works undercover as Morag's assistant while dating Bobby Simpson; carries out threats and hostage-taking before fleeing town after intervention.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in several Summer Bay investigations including arrests and an accident causing Shane Parrish's death; admits guilt leading to suspension while supporting victims’ families.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; leaves upon discovering it is fictional after encountering Martin Dibble disguised as creature.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her, revealing previously unknown family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron who abandons him stranded on island under false pretenses during trip.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart following rejection of offers from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Wife of Rex Wilson seen during council disputes involving closure of hot dog stands affecting Martin Dibble's business plans.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching for Fletcher family under false pretenses irritating locals before being killed by shark; his death prompts community action against threat.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley whose drug addiction causes conflict with Stacey Macklin following lost engagement ring incident leading to destructive outburst and departure.

External links

Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database